PAST & Upcoming EVENTS
Events
We offer our members a wide range of events. They include information and discussion sessions, led by expert speakers and members in which you can learn how to support your child, ask questions and connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. We also arrange enjoyable activities for children to have fun and connect with each other, as well as social events to chat and relax with other parents who understand.
Our full programme of events is available to members. Click here to become a member.
Previous speakers at meetings include :
Tracy Weiner: PDA and NVR trainer and Parent Mentor with Foundations in Tonbridge
‘PDA and NVR Workshop’
‘Understanding the PDA Profile’
Thomas Emmett: Thomas Emmett is a Partner and Head of Schools, Colleges and Universities in the Education Team in the London office of law firm Geldards LLP. He is a “Next Generation Partner” (Legal 500 2025) who specialises in advising the education sector on education law (including SEND law), corporate and commercial law, employment law, equality law and regulatory law.
Online Legal Concerns Q&A over zoom.
Kerry Miles: IASK
Online Workshop on the EHCP process.
Julie Dunford: Founder of the Sevenoaks Learning Hub
‘Home Education & Self-Directed Learning: The highs, the lows, the myths and the magic!’
Abby Lloyd: Specialist teacher, SENCO and Autism Mentor
‘Anxiety Workshop’
‘Puberty’
Kim Groves: Class Teacher/Assistant Head
‘Helping your Child Survive and Thrive at School’
Louise Hickman: Kent Autism Education Service
‘Autism & School - Based Anxiety’
‘Online Q&A re the EHCP process’
Francillia Francis-James: Occupational Therapist with special interest in Sensory Issues
Online 'Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation Difficulties in Children, Young People and Adolescents with Mental Health Difficulties.’
Leona Talsma: Write 2 Talk, Speech and Language Therapist, Dyslexia Specialist, University Lecturer
‘Let’s Talk About Communication’
Ruth Farmer: Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
‘Interoception’
Kay Walpole: Parent
‘Burnout’
Haley Hill: Clinical Nutritionist
‘Nutrition, Genetics and Mental Health in Neurodivergent Children and Teens’
Wendy Pearson: Your Autism Mentor
‘Autism and Adolescence’
‘A person-centred approach: supporting our young people and their emotions’
Donna Simpson: SENCO
‘The Role of the Primary School SENCO’
Julia Gudinchet: Sunflower Autism Consultancy
Online 'ADHD workshop’
‘Talking to your Child about their Neurodivergence’
Trish O’Dwyer: The Threads of Life website/podcaster/S2C practitioner/parent
‘My Journey’
Senlika Steulet: Speech Up
Online Q&A
Dr Jacqui Rogers: Professor of Psychology Mental Health at Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University
‘Autism and Anxiety’
Robyn Steward: Autistic Trainer, Mentor, Consultant and Author
‘Puberty’
Dr Hannah Bowman: Clinical Psychologist
‘Transition to Adulthood in Autistic Young People’
Dr Sirja Van Zyl: Clinical Psychologist, Kent Psychology
In person Q & A session for parents. Sirja also provides regular free online talks, providing information, practical tips and support as part of Kent Psychology
Dr Vibhav Shetty: Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Online & in person Q & A sessions for parents.
Jess Garner, Founder of Grove, an Online Community for Autistic Young People. Jess is AuDHD and mum to PDA -er
'Monotropism'
WKAPSS has provided us with loads of useful contacts and resources. We also got help with a tricky section of our child’s EHCP at a recent seminar. Thank you.
Kirstin
I feel incredibly well supported by WKAPSS. At times, there are no quick fixes or easy solutions, but the groups consistently offer us the reassurance that we're not alone and the hope that things will improve. I'm always amazed and slightly bemused by the broad range and specific nature of requests for information and advice and the fact that there's nearly always someone out there with an answer or a shared experience. Despite the size of WKAPSS, it still feels like a group and the smaller sub groups offer lots of alternatives for interacting with others. A huge thank you to everyone who has founded, organised and maintained WKAPSS. Julie
CURRENT EVENTS
FRIDAY 29th MAY
Workshops for neurodivergent children at Ightham Mote
9.30 -1pm (younger children) 10 spaces available
1.30 -5pm (older children) 10 spaces available
Parents to accompany children.
https://www.strangeface.co.uk/aboutus/russell-dean-artistic-director/
The amazing Russell Dean of Strange Face with be running a free puppet making workshop. This will be funded by the MASON FOUNDATION.
Please register your interest on info@wkapss.org.uk
TUESDAY 2nd JUNE tbc
TUESDAY 7th JULY
Presentation and Q&A by Dr Jenny Cooper
ARFID
9.30 -10.30 am
Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - How to notice and support a loved one with ARFID
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by avoidance of food, or certain types of food, which can have a significant impact on one’s physical and mental health. In this talk, Dr Jenny Cooper will cover the different presentations of ARFID, including how to distinguish it from ‘picky eating’, and the overlap between ARFID and autism. Drawing on her clinical experience, Jenny will give an overview of the recommended treatments, including advice on how to support a loved one with ARFID. She looks forward to seeing you there!
Dr Jenny Cooper qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2019. She has worked in NHS Eating Disorder Services for both children and adults, alongside her role with Collective Psychology. She has worked with many young people and adults with ARFID, as well as supporting families in navigating this condition.
10.45 -11.45am speaker tbc
.